A washerwoman’s donation sparked Turner’s $1 billion gift to the UN, celebration recalls memories of global cooperation’s power

A gift inspired by generosity

At Monday’s celebration, Turner’s daughter Laura Seydel recalled that her father heard about a washerwoman in Mississippi who gave $150,000 in life savings for scholarships. The woman wanted young people to attend college, which she had not been able to do.

Seydel said the story moved Turner to donate $1 billion to the United Nations. She urged the several hundred people gathered to honor him by supporting institutions that help hold the world together.

Turner’s ties to the UN

Seydel recalled Turner’s connection to the U.N. in New York, where she said he spoke with people ranging from the secretary-general and ambassadors to security guards and cleaners.

Foundation President Elizabeth Cousens said attendees included diplomats, U.N. staff, philanthropists, CNN staff, and people from civil society, academia and the private sector.

A call to sustain cooperation

In a video tribute, former U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon credited Turner and the U.N. Foundation with affecting countries and lives around the world. He said the U.N. and multilateralism face elevated challenges in an uncertain world and urged continued support for the causes Turner championed. Journalist Christiane Amanpour recalled Turner’s dedication to a global community and perspective, saying he would want people to keep pursuing them.

Family and friends remember

Three of Turner’s 14 grandchildren shared memories. One, Vasser Seydel, called his grandfather an idol and inspiration who pushed the limits of what a person could accomplish in a lifetime.

Former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Andrew Young recalled getting to know Turner when Young was entering politics and Turner was starting in television. Young said Turner looked beyond race and saw people as children of God. The celebration included performances by John Carter Cash and Ana Cristina Cash, who sang “Jackson,” as well as singer Carolina Rial and the Harlem Gospel Choir.